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Volume 1, Issue 10Winter 2015OPUS Annual NewsletterCUSTOM SOLUTIONSINSIDE THIS ISSUEOPUS Board and StaffPresidentDr. Edward KingVice PresidentAnthony MelocheMessage from the President1Message from the Vice-President2Messages from the Staff &Directors at Large4-7OPUS Events (2014)10-17Who We AreOPUS is the Organization of Part-timeUniversity Students, a student groupmade up of volunteer part-time studentswho advocate on behalf of part-timeTreasurerChris BaillargeonDirectors atLargePeter SoterosErin PlumbMahbub KhodaMike LivingstonBerni Doctorto provide a means for part-time stu-Maryan Amalowand problems distinct from those of thestudents. OPUS was established in 1969ExecutiveDirectorHealth PlanAdministratorWork StudyStudentsdents to have their voices heard on campus. At OPUS, we believe that part-timestudents have different needs, concernsrest of the undergraduate student body.Steve JancevThese students work hard to balancetheir ,any responsibilities of home, fami-Fareeza AhmedSekne FarhatRanda HalabiRebecca Brownly, work, and education. OPUS attemptsto help students cope with the additional pressure of studies and the adjustment to an academic environment.
A Message from the OPUS VicePresidentOPUS Helps Fight Hunger at the University of WindsorThe Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) joined up with IonaCollege in an effort to fill the shelves of the student food bank located in thecollege’s home at 208 Sunset Avenue. We held a food drive and encouragedother students, faculty and staff to donate to the food bank before and afterChristmas.As part of our Strategic Plan OPUS strives to annually sponsor and help organize a community basedcharitable event. The purpose of these initiatives are to get students networking with each other to dosomething positive that contributes to our community. This year we chose to donate 200, collect fooditems in our office and engage students, faculty and staff with posters, social media and by word ofmouth. Collection areas were set up in OPUS and the CAW Student Centre and we collected manyitems to assist needy members on campus.This initiative is timely as many food shelves get empty before and during the holiday season and somestudents may run out of funds at the end of their semester and the food bank can provide a needy helping hand.Food bank contributions will still be accepted at the OPUS office, room 172, CAW Student Centre andat the Iona College Food Bank 208 Sunset Avenue.We appreciate all those who volunteered and contributed.Together students can make a positive difference in our community.Sometimes it starts with helping each other.Anthony MelocheVice PresidentOrganization of Part-time University Students2
A Message from the OPUS TreasurerWelcome all students,I would like to take this opportunity to welcome you all to the University of Windsorand OPUS for the 2014/2015 semester year! My name is Chris Baillargeon and I amyour Student Advocacy Representative for OPUS. I have been with OPUS for theprevious 9 years, currently as your Treasurer. Your adventure will be challenging attimes, but rewarding as you accomplish your future goals. Be engaged, inspired andconnected to campus events, clubs, and societies. By being a part of your Universityof Windsor student experience, you will gain personal growth and development towards your future endeavours. Now, with this in mind, the following year will be oneof change, prosperity and future development of the campus to help you appreciate your time here in the comingyears while attending the university.Over the next couple of years, development towards the addition of a downtown campus will help expoundon all expansion possibilities towards this future initiative. These include the purchase and inclusion of the previous bus depot, Tunnel BBQ restaurant, the armory, and Windsor Star properties in the Windsor downtown core.Amongst future expansion and relocation plans of varying faculty, staff and students, enhanced teaching facilitieswill add to your overall student experience. As well as, right here on campus with the closing of Sunset Avenue,the new addition of the Entrepreneurship Practice and Innovation Centre (EPIC), and new welcome centre for students will help you better acclimatize yourselves during orientation upon entering the student campus. All of thistransformation between esthetics and additional space are all to contribute to your overall success by presenting agreater environment for you to work, play and live within on campus and experience to its fullest extent.As a part of OPUS, I advocate on your behalf as a student representative by addressing your various concerns on committees throughout the university community-at-large. One of the committees I was a representativeon was the Downtown Campus Steering Committee (DTSC) as a driving initiative to participate and contribute tothe establishment and starting point of the downtown campus to raise concerns in the ongoing process to help benefit the students and faculty in bringing functionality of the downtown campus in its early stages. Progression isslow, but ongoing as challenges are addressed and all remains on the projected timeline for Fall 2015 / Spring2016. This is just one example of a committee where your voice can make a difference in future endeavours andinitiatives to improve change or enhance your University of Windsor experience. Your voice matters and as yourrepresentative I am proud to do so on your behalf, collectively is where it makes a difference – strength in numbers. Furthermore, an overall commitment to reduce tuition fees, increase on-line distance course availability andenhance the quality student life experience are all ongoing.This journey will lead you to future success. As you move one day forward at a time, don’t stray from yourpath of prospective goals. Maintain focus, pay attention to detail, enjoy your time and have fun. Take the opportunity to explore mentorship possibilities, build a network – expand your circle of friends, and maintain a goodsupport system (these are all good sources of motivation and inspiration). The time passes quickly, so take advantage of the time you have to make lasting memories that will remain with you for the rest of your life!Stay connected to be a part of the action!Sincerely,Chris Baillargeon3
A Message from the ExecutiveDirectorDear Members,On behalf of the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS), I amde-lighted to extend much appreciation and greetings to everyone making use ofour newsletter edition which has invaluable information. This handbook is yourguide to updates of what had happened at OPUS throughout the past year.I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of OPUS to welcome all Part-Time Student members to the University of Windsor. I would like to begin my report by thanking the many people associated with OPUS who havemade this past year an enjoyable and memorable one, with events like the OPUS Awards, Potluck, Orientation,Head start and OPUS Part-time Fall and winter social receptions.I am proud to be a part of the OPUS team and grateful for the assistance and support from the Board of Directors, our work-study students and our volunteers. What we have been able to achieve together this year has benefited our students and that makes all the hard work worthwhile. I would like to thank each one of you individually, but there is not enough space to mention everyone. I will just say a simple, collective THANK YOU to all!I would like to thank the University community that has helped us achieve this success in advocating forpart-time student rights and access to a better education at the University of Windsor. We are always striving tocreate awareness of our organization and have developed programs to support that goal.This past year our efforts have been directed at making clear the distinct advantages of facilitating thegrowth of the part-time student body by making services more user friendly and making more resources availablefor part-time students including our distance Ed members. OPUS strives to ensure that services are provided tomeet the academic and social needs of part-time undergraduates on campus at the U of W. The objectives ofOPUS services are to advance the quality of the total educational experience, in its broadest sense. For part-timestudents the best possible undergraduate education means one in which part-time students has the option of participating equally in all aspects of campus life.In addition, as a part-time student at the University of Windsor, you are a member of the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS). The CFS unites more than 500,000 students across Canada and more than 300,000 students in Ontario. Together, we can effectively advocate for an accessible high quality post-secondary educationsystem and for students’ rights at both the federal and provincial levels of government.This past year, for the first time OPUS along with the University held an online meeting with students inorder to make the experience of our part time and distance students the best it can be. OPUS has been on the lookout for new services and programs for part-time distance education students. To sum everything up, OPUS isproviding more vital and better services for part-time students. Thank you all (part-time students, board members,health plan administrator, family members and volunteers) for your past and present involvement with OPUS.Your commitment and dedication have helped us to make OPUS the ‘UNIQUE’ student organization at the University of Windsor. I hope we can continue with this tradition in the coming years. I am confident that, by workingwith our members and university partners, we can ensure that OPUS remains the best organization on campus byproviding services and advocacy to meet and exceed the needs of the membership.I am hoping part time students will be more active and involved in OPUS activities this upcoming year.‘Working together works’. Get connected with OPUS!Truthfully,Maryan Amalow4
A Message from the Health PlanAdministratorDear Members,I'd like to welcome all part-time students to the University of Windsor andto the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS). As the OPUSHealth Plan Administrator, I manage the operations for the OPUS drug and dentalplan including the handling of all student inquiries and ensuring that each issue isdealt with efficiently.The OPUS Drug and Dental Plan is now providing its 8th year of serviceto part-time undergraduate students for the 2014-15 benefit year. There is no doubtthat this is the biggest service we provide for our students. Part-time undergraduate students have differentneeds from those of the student bodies on campus. As a student government that represents part-time undergraduate students at the University of Windsor, our first and primary commitment is to the OPUS membership.The benefits plan provided by OPUS is based on a pay direct system through the insurance carrier,which is primarily Green Shield for drug and dental services. The pay direct feature benefits members whorequire and utilize the plan because they are not required to pay up front for a drug or dental claim in fulland get reimbursed later. Students are only required to pay the difference they owe to the provider.For students who wish to OPT-OUT of the OPUS Drug and Dental Plan, they must have existingcomparable coverage and complete an OPT-OUT form online or in the OPUS office during the OPT-OUTperiod. Part-time students can also purchase benefits for their dependents for an additional fee. DistanceEducation, Co-op and Senior must OPT-IN to obtain this plan as they do not get charged through their student account. Detailed information regarding the plan can be found on the OPUS (http://www1.uwindsor.ca/OPUS/drug-dental-plan) or Green Shield Student Centre ult.aspx) websites or students can pick up information in the office.Furthermore, we are pleased to inform that for the 2014-15 year we added the following items tothe plan: dental oral surgery and endodontics and 200 for Orthotics and Footwear. We hope to add morebenefits for future years.Sincerely,Steve Jancev5
A Message from a Director at LargeHi!If you are reading this, I can presume several things: 1) you are a part-time student at the University ofWindsor; 2) someone from OPUS encouraged you to pick up this fact-filled, practical calendar; and, 3) youwere intrigued by the picture of the long-haired dude My name is Mike Livingston; I was elected to the Board of Directors for the Organization of Part-TimeStudents (OPUS), which serves its constituents here at the U of W. My term is for two years, encompassing the 2013 Fall to 2015 Winter semesters. As a Director at Large, I represent you and our fellow parttime students. To that end, I belong to several committees that help form university policy; and, wheneverpossible, I attend conferences held by our parent union, the Canadian Federation of Students (CFS), to discuss and act upon student-related issues; and, most importantly, I make myself available to advocate onyour behalf for any student-related issue.There are many unique challenges that the part-time university student faces that separates him/her fromtheir full-time counterparts. Long intervals between formal education; juggling family, employment andacademic commitments; and interacting with students typically several years their junior are the most common complaints. Yet, there are also advantages to being a part-time student, including: OPUS membersenjoy a comprehensive health benefits package; members profit from a strong presence in student government; and, members can take advantage of the OPUS Lounge in the CAW Centre.So, whether you are finishing up a long sought-after degree, or are taking the first steps toward one, let mewelcome you to the part-time student community. Come visit us in the OPUS lounge or meet us at one ofmany OPUS-sponsored social events. You can even follow OPUS on its Facebook page! (Are people stillusing Facebook?) ;)Have a great year, enjoy the university experience to the fullest, and remember to “crank your amplifier allthe way up to eleven”. It’s going to be a fun ride!In solidarity,Mike Livingston6
A Message from a Director at LargeMy co-students at University of Windsor,It is a privilege to represent you as a student advocate/supporter at OPUS! A wellsustained, successful, thriving organization in the university community. Onyour behalf I am fully committed to preserving these qualities.An interactive and collaborative effort connects within the whole student community is one, which yourstruly, took the opportunity to get started, by creating a Greet n’ Meet event (in partnership with Dr. ClaytonSmyth’s Student Affairs Office). The venue for this event was the south end of the CAW Student Centre,the first session occurred in February. Planned sessions were interrupted in the Fall of 2013 due to the university strike; followed by one of the harshest winters we have ever had. I am so proud to have survivedthe highest snow dump of 41’3” inches in 30 plus years! Are you? Please note: Greet n’ Meet has restartedduring the Fall 2014 semester and hopefully will continue beyond that.Metaphorically, planned Student Journeys are challenged and tested for various reasons. I encourage you tobe truly strong in your pursuit. As Plato’s teaching goes, “Good actions give strength to ourselves and inspire action in others.”In heartfelt care and support for you all,Bernarda (Berni) Camello-Doctor7
Drug And Dental PlanDRUG & DENTAL PLAN BENEFITS SUMMARYFOR DETAILED INFORMATION INCLUDING PLAN BOOKLET, ID CARD & MORE VISIT:http://greenshield.ca/studentcentreBenefit Period: September 1 or January 1 - August 31DRUGS PRESCRIPTIONDiabetic testing agents, Diabetic testing %planper prescriptionor refill80% per prescription or refillMaximumpays: year, combined 200planper benefit 200perbloodbenefityear, monitorscombinedand lanwithglucosewith bloodglucoseandcets, limitedto monitorsthe overallPrescriplancets,the overall Pretion limitedDrugs toMaximumscriptionDrugsMaximum 2,000perperson per benefit year 2,000 per person per benefitMaximum plan yearpays: All other prescription drugs All other prescription drugsMEDICAL ITEMS AND SERVICESOptometricExamsMEDICAL EyeITEMSAND SERVICESOptometric Eye ExamsBlood glucose monitors and lancetsBlood glucose monitors and lancetsBraces and Crutches*Prosthesis*Braces and Crutches*Otheritems and services listed below*Prosthesis*Other items and services listed below*PROFESSIONAL SERVICESOnce everyyears, up to a maximum of 100, beginMaximumplan2pays:ningon dateof firstOnceevery2 years,uppaidto a claimmaximum of 65, beginper personper benefitning 200on dateof first paidclaim year, combined with diabetic testingagents, 200per personper needles/syringesbenefit year, combined with 500perpersonper needles/syringesbenefit yeardiabetic testing agents, 1,500perbenefityear 500 per person per benefit yearReasonableandyearcustomary charges 1,500per benefitReasonable and customary chargesMaximum plan pays: Speech Therapist Podiatrist 20 per visit up to a maximum of 20 visits per practitioner, per benefityear Registered Massage Therapist (medical referral required) 20 per visit up to a maximum of 20 visits for all practitioners combined, per benefit year Homeopath Acupuncturist Naturopath Chiropractor Physiotherapist 20 per visit up to a maximum of 20 visits for all practitioners combined, per benefit yearDENTALMaximum plan pays:Basic & Comprehensive Basic Services60% of eligible charges, up to a maximum of 500 percovered person per benefit yearTRAVEL BENEFIT SUMMARYPolicy #: . .28556323Administrator:. etfsUnderwriter:. Royal & Sun Alliance Insurance Company of CanadaCoverage Maximum: . 5,000,000 per coverage period per insured personCoverage Period: .60 days per trip8
Strategic Plan 2012-2015OPUS has a long history on campus and wasestablished in 1969 to provide a means for parttime students to have their voices heard on campus.OPUS has had a strong and participative presenceon campus. OPUS feels this Strategic Plan willcontinue to build on the foundation that has beenlaid.The Strategic Plans Five Pillars guideOPUS’s Strategic Direction and include;Student Advocacy, Student Services, StudentEngagement, OPUS Image, and Future Planning. This plan outlines a disciplined approach to support the ongoing transformation and growth of OPUS. assisting to provide a rewarding and engaging student experience at the University of Windsor.The Goals of the Strategic Plan Five PillarsStudent AdvocacyTo be a leader and resource for part-time studentsadvocating for their interests at the University of Windsor, provincially, and nationally.Student ServicesTo provide meaningful and value added services to parttime students. Services that provide a collective and/oran individual benefit to enhance the part-time studentuniversity experience.Student EngagementBe a leader in providing opportunities for part-time students to engage with each other. Be an agent in promoting and advocating for best practices for student engagement in the learning environment and on campus.OPUS ImageBe admired by part-time students and the University ofWindsor community as a leader and a value added service. Be seen by the university community as a valuedcontributor to the engagement, success and enjoymentin the educational life of part-time students and theentire university community.Future PlanningPrepare OPUS for future challenges, ensure financialstability, succession planning and innovative ways tosecure and expand OPUS services and viability.The Strategic Plan aligns well and is guided bythe OPUS vision and mission.OPUS VisionThe vision of OPUS is that all part-time students enjoy an engaging, fulfilling and rewarding experience at the University of Windsor.Each Strategic Pillar will have activities,initiatives, and deliverables attached tothem to achieve our goal from August2012 to August 2015fngoalsOPUS MissionLearn More .OPUS is a dynamic organization that advocatesand promotes a rewarding University of Windsor experience for part-time studentsPlease review our website www.uwindsor.ca/opus for thecomplete OPUS 2012-2015 Strategic Plan and the manyexciting events, activities and services OPUS has to offer.9
The 12th Annual OPUS BarbequeThe Vice-President of the Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) AnthonyMeloche welcomed its members and guests to campus with a free barbecue and gave welcome packagessuch as USB bracelet, OPUS T-shirts and other great prizes for all students outside the CAW StudentCentre on Tuesday; this barbeque was the 12th annual OPUS barbeque. The UWINDSOR Dean of Students, Dr. Clayton Smith, also welcomed students and picked the winner of the free tuition bursary. Melissa Woods won this years’ bursary at the UWindsor OPUS BBQ!Thanks to the Alumni Association who sponsored the 1,500 tuition bursary.There was a tremendous turnout that included part-time students, faculty and friends of the University.The meal included free chicken hamburgers, hot dogs as well as vegetarian options falafel. Also included were chips and bottles of water. The barbeque was served by UW Catering along with OPUSBoard, staff and volunteers. The barbeque was accompanied by lively music courtesy of Shauhrat Gill PanjAab Entertainment.Over 300 hundred students, staff and faculty members were fed during the two hours. Interestedstudents received important information about the organization and its activities around University.Many campus celebrities attended the 2014 BBQ including: Patti Lauzon Director of Alumni andDonor Communication, Dr. Clayton Smith (Vice Provost Students and International), Mrs. Katherine Simon (Alumni Officer - Events & Reunions), Kaye Johnson Director of Human Rights, Equity & Accessibility, Office among others.Thanks to our sponsors fortheir continuous support.Special thanks to our eventsponsors:Alumni AssociationGreen ShieldCampus Dental CentreThanks to our Door Prize sponsors:Campus BookstoreAlumni AssociationCampus Dental CentreUW MazaarUWin Card officeMarketplaceStudent Centre PharmacyUW Campus MinistryFurthermore, thanks to all those who attended and supported us!10
The OPUS Lounge and Board Room is available for part-time students to study andmeet other part-time students during office hours. OPUS would like to welcome all Part-TimeUndergraduate Students of the University of Windsor to make use of this facility.Part-time undergraduate students also have access to the kitchen area. Students canenjoy free coffee, tea or water. There is also a fridge and microwave available for student use,and we are open in the evening, during the Fall and Winter semesters. This is your space; weencourage you to use it.As mentioned previously, OPUS is the home of Friday Free pizza which takes place every Friday at 12:30 pm in the OPUS lounge. Thanks to Dr. Kamouni, owner of the Campus DentalCentre, all students and staff at the university can enjoy a nice pizza lunch.11
22nd Annual OPUS Awards BanquetThe Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) hosts it Annual Awards Banquet during the month of March to recognize the achievements of faculty, staff and part-time students over the past year.In addition to part-time undergraduate students, we also invite faculty, staff, alumni andfriends of the University of Windsor.The 2014 awards dinner took place at the Caboto Club and it was the 22nd annual banquet. Theevent was also accompanied with live performances and musical entertainment.Last year, over 150 guests including students, staff, alumni and faculty members were inattendance for the banquet. Guests also received event agendas along with the latest copy of theOPUS annual newsletter and other OPUS material.12
Annual General Meeting (AGM) 2014The OPUS Annual General Meeting is usually held in the Winter Semester. The AGMserves as closure for the previous year and as a first meeting for the New Year.The last AGM was March 25, 2014. In the OPUS office Those in attendance reviewed the AnnualBoard, Staff & Financial Reports. Nearing the end of the meeting, one lucky student won a 250money prize along with OPUS promotional materials.13
Welcome Week14
12th Annual OPUS BBQ 201415
OPUS Social Fall 2014The OPUS social was held in the OPUS office located in the CAW Student Centreand featured a keynote speaker, Toastmasters International, who provided information tostudents on developing oral communication, leadership skills, self-confidence and personalgrowth.One part-time student won the free tuition prize, valued at 1,500 from the Organization of Part-time University Students!16
OPUS Potluck 2014On November 19th, the OPUS office opened its doors to part time students for their annual pot luckluncheon. OPUS staff and associates mingled with students over a wide variety of foods.Every year near the end of the fall semester, OPUS organizes this feast for all part time students to take some time out of their day and enjoy a friendly atmosphere. From time to time, we allcome together to eat, drink, and have fun.Our menu included a variety of ethnically diverse foods including Somali, Macedonian, Sudanese, Egyptian, Italian, and Pakistani dishes. OPUS staff and board members contributed to theirpart of the feast and were present to welcome students and spread the word about our organization.17
Awards and BursariesLifetime Achievement AwardThis award has been initiated in 2007 by the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS) to recognize and applaud the efforts ofOPUS members and executives who selflessly assist part-time students in their efforts to achieve academic excellence. The Lifetime AchievementAward recognizes efforts of individuals that have contributed over a number of years to keep the Organization running at full steam and advocating forpart-time student issues at the University of Windsor.Friend of Students’ AwardThis award was initiated in 2005 to give particular recognition, thanks, and encouragement to those who have not only sought out and solicited the participation of students, but have reinforced their value as respected participants in a team of council members seeking to make changefor the good at the University of Windsor. Many changes have taken place at the University of Windsor - changes for the good of all students. Students and professors alike have been working throughout the years on behalf of students; these improvements have touched many areas. Whetherit is in facilitating the full access of the physical environment here at the University or in the learning experience itself, giving effective feed-back toprofessors, or in ensuring capable visionaries in position of leadershipFaculty AwardsThis annual award was initiated in 1992 to recognize and applaud "The efforts of University of Windsor faculty members who unselfishlyassist part-time students in their efforts to achieve academic excellence." The 2002 Teaching and Learning Initiative at the University not only highlighted the importance of faculty recognition, but also recognized OPUS as a leader in acknowledging faculty for their support of student needs,desires, and aspirations. In keeping with this tradition, commencing 2003, a maximum of three faculty members may receive recognition for theirteaching accomplishments. The range of recognized teaching accomplishment may include, but are not limited to, effectiveness in large-class teaching, effective implementation of teaching and learning innovations, or development of materials for flexible learning and delivery.Support Staff AwardsThese annual awards were initiated in 2002 to acknowledge the important contributions of staff in supporting teaching and learning at theUniversity of Windsor. Outstanding support staff are all too often taken for granted, while few receive public acknowledgement. Their impact maybe felt as, but not limited to, resource persons attending committee meetings, individuals maintaining a comfortable environment for students, faculty and staff providing timely advice or assistance with a professional demeanor, or persons assisting students with dietary needs.Volunteer of the Year AwardThis award has been initiated in 2007 by the Organization of Part-Time University Students (OPUS) to recognize and applaud the efforts anddedication of OPUS volunteers who selflessly assist OPUS in organizing events and fulfilling its mandate year after year. The OPUS Volunteer of theYear award recognizes outstanding volunteers that have brought enthusiasm and a renewed spirit of energy at OPUS events.Disability Campus Community Recognition AwardThis annual award was established in 2002 by the Organization of Part-Time University Students to recognize a University of Windsor facultyor staff member who has in the previous year demonstrated guidance and leadership in advancing accommodations and accessibility for students atthe University of Windsor. The nominee either demonstrated innovative and responsive accommodations and/or provided support for a studentwith a disability. Nominations may be made by anyone a
The Organization of Part-time University Students (OPUS) joined up with Iona College in an effort to fill the shelves of the student food bank located in the college’s home at 208 Sunset Avenue. We held a food drive and encouraged other students, faculty and staff to donate to t
